Decoupling device for actuators

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the decoupling device for an actuator, which has a number of decoupling elements. A securing element is disposed between these decoupling elements. The actuator is fastened to the securing element. The decoupling elements rest against radial support shoulders and axial support shoulders of the securing element and a housing. These are embodied so that radial, axial, and tangential oscillations of the actuator are decoupled from the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 USC 371 application of PCT/DE 00/03045 filed onSep. 5, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed on a decoupling device for actuators.

2. Description of the Prior Art

During operation of the actuator—in particular an electric motor which,by means of decoupling elements, is connected to a function housing viaa decoupling housing—tangential rotary oscillations are produced, forexample in a main excitation oscillation direction of the actuator, andoscillations are produced in the radial and axial directions. For adecoupling between the actuator and the decoupling housing, this meansthat they must be particularly soft in the tangential direction and mustbe significantly more rigid in the axial direction and radial direction.

Decoupling devices for actuators and electric motors are known, butthese are relatively rigid. Running noise of the electric motor andrunning-induced oscillations of a fan connected for example to theelectric motor, e.g. due to an imbalance of the impeller, are largelytransmitted to a fan housing and lead to an undesirable generation ofnoise.

With elastic decoupling elements which on the one hand are intended tohold the actuator or the electric motor in support regions and on theother hand are intended to achieve a damping, these conflicting demandsresult in the fact that the decouplings are placed under initial stress.Since the damping of oscillations takes place through flexing work inthe decoupling elements, an optimal decoupling is not possible.

In addition, the decoupling elements are adjusted in terms of theirnatural frequency so that a natural frequency of the decoupling elementdiffers significantly from a natural frequency of the actuator. Thedamping can as a result be partially increased.

EP 0 682 396 A2 has disclosed the use of elastic balls, preferablycomprised of an elastomer, in order to decouple two components from eachother. The balls are each accommodated in an ellipsoidal cavity so thatthe balls permit a certain amount of free rotational movement. Eachcomponent has cavities of this kind so that the cavities of the twocomponents are disposed opposite each other after assembly. The cavitiesare let into an intermediary piece.

However, the device requires a central securing element and for damping,requires another elastic element which is disposed around a longitudinalaxis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The decoupling device according to the invention has the advantage overthe prior art that an almost ideal decoupling of all oscillations of theactuator is achieved in a simple manner.

The configuration of decoupling elements is advantageously embodied inthe form of an “angular ball bearing”, since as a result, powerfulforces can be absorbed and oscillations in the tangential direction canbe damped. Oscillations in the radial and axial directions are dampedthrough elastic compression of the balls. The decoupling elements aresimply subjected to pressure in all of the loading directions of thesystem. This results in a favorable ability to withstand vibration.

Particularly advantageous decoupling elements are rolling bodies in theform of balls made of an elastomer, which are connected to one anotherby means of an intermediary piece that is inserted into a slot of asecuring element. This allows the decoupling elements to be very easilyheld and installed.

It is also advantageous to embody recesses that constitute the supportshoulders for the decoupling elements in the shape of arcs.

It is also advantageous to distribute the decoupling elements uniformlyin the

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein below andare shown in a simplified fashion in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a section through an actuator with a decoupling device,

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of existing stress directions,

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of decoupling elements,

FIGS. 4 a-c show a first part of a decoupling housing,

FIGS. 5 a & b show a securing element,

FIGS. 6 a-c show a second part of a decoupling housing,

FIG. 7 shows a section along the line VII—VII in FIG. 1,

FIGS. 8 a-c show another exemplary embodiment of a decoupling device anda decoupling element,

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of a decoupling housing,

FIG. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment for a securing element and a

FIG. 11 shows another possible disposition of the securing element and

FIG. 12 shows another possible embodiment of support shoulders in adecoupling housing and a securing element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a section through a decoupling device 1 with an actuator 2.This combination of the decoupling device 1 and actuator 2, for examplean electric motor 2, has a longitudinal axis 3. The decoupling device 1is comprised of a decoupling housing 6, which is composed, for example,of two annular parts, an upper part 7, and a base part 8. The decouplinghousing 6 is adjoined by a function housing 13, for example a fanhousing 13, which encompasses a fan 12 driven by the electric motor. Thebase part 8 of the decoupling housing 6 can, for example, also be partof the function housing 13. The decoupling housing 6 is then comprisedof the housing parts 7 and 13.

The decoupling device 1 is also composed of elastic decoupling elements14, 15 and a securing element 19, e.g. in the form of a ring in thisinstance. The decoupling elements 14, 15 here are for example rollingbodies which in this instance are embodied in the shape of balls and aremade, for example, of an elastomer.

The decoupling elements 14, 15 in this instance are disposed one abovethe other in pairs, for example, along a line 18 which extends parallelto the longitudinal axis 3. The actuator 2 is connected at leastindirectly to the securing element 19.

The decoupling elements 14, 15 are connected to each other, for example,by means of an intermediary piece 20. A longitudinal axis of theintermediary piece 20 extending parallel to the line 18 runs parallel tothe longitudinal axis 3 when the decoupling device 1 is installed. Thepresence of the intermediary piece or strut 20 permits the twodecoupling elements 14, 15 to be very easily held simultaneously andpermits them to be installed as an ensemble with the securing element19.

In both decoupling housing halves 7, 8, there are recesses 23 that opentoward the longitudinal axis 3 and are disposed in the outer radial edgeregion, which constitute support shoulders 24, 25 in the top part 7 orbottom part 8 of the decoupling housing for the decoupling elements 14,15. The securing element 19 disposed inside the decoupling housing 6, 7,8 provides support shoulders 26 disposed opposite from the supportshoulders 24, 25.

The support shoulders 24-26 have sections which are disposed in theradial direction and are referred to as radial support shoulders 24.2,25.2, 26.2. These are engaged by axial forces. The support shoulders24-26 also have sections which are disposed in the axial direction andare referred to as axial support shoulders 24.1, 25.1, 26.1. These areacted on by radial forces. Axial support shoulders 24.1, 25.1, 26.1 andradial support shoulders 24.2, 25.2, 26.2 are disposed for exampleperpendicular to each other here.

The support shoulder 24.1 is referred to as the axial support shoulderbecause it extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 3.The support shoulder 24.2 is referred to as the radial support shoulderbecause in this instance, it extends approximately perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 3.

Because the decoupling elements 14, 15 are secured in the recesses 23(FIG. 7) and are connected to each other by means of the intermediarypiece 20, it is not possible for the securing element 19 to rotateentirely around the longitudinal axis 3.

The support shoulders 24-26 are embodied so that when there is arelative rotation of the securing element 19 in relation to thedecoupling housing 6, 7, 8 the decoupling elements 14, 15 roll around arotational axis 27 that extends obliquely in relation to thelongitudinal axis 3. In principle, this corresponds to the dispositionof a dual-row angular ball bearing. In order to absorb axial forces inboth directions, the decoupling elements 14, 15 are disposed inopposition. Ball bearing terminology refers to X configurations and Oconfigurations.

FIG. 2 shows the oscillation directions in the axial 30, radial 31, andtangential 32 direction, which occur during operation of the actuator 2.The decoupling device 1 should decouple these oscillations of theactuator 2 from the fan housing 13, for example.

FIG. 3 shows how two decoupling elements 14, 15, which are round incross section for example, are connected to each other by means of theintermediary piece 20, for example. The cross section of theintermediary piece 20 perpendicular to the line 18 can be rectangular oralso round, for example.

FIG. 4 shows the top part 7 of the decoupling housing 6 from FIG. 1 in abottom view and top view (FIGS. 4 a, c) and shows a cross section inFIG. 4 b.

For example, the top part 7 has a round, annular cross-sectionalcontour. Any other cross-sectional contour is also conceivable, forexample a quadriform cross-sectional contour.

The top part 7 can also be embodied as cup-shaped 33, as indicated withdashed lines in FIG. 4 b. In this instance, the top part 7 contains forexample three recesses 23, which constitute the support shoulders 24.1,24.2 for the decoupling elements 14. In FIG. 4 a, center lines are shownextending from the recesses 23, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3that extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The drawingclearly shows that recesses 23 adjacent to one another in thecircumference direction and decoupling elements 14 disposed in therecesses 23 are disposed at a uniform angle α from one another. In FIG.7, a section VII—VII in FIG. 1 is shown, which shows the recess 23 moreclearly.

After assembly, the decoupling elements 14, 15 rest against the supportshoulders 24.1, 24.2, 25.1, 25.2.

FIG. 4 b shows a plane 34 which extends perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 3 and passes through the radial support shoulder 24.2.The recesses 23 and therefore the decoupling elements 14 are thusdisposed, for example, in one plane.

In an outer region of the top part 7, there is a bore 37 through whichfor example a screw is guided, in order to connect the top part 7 to thebase part 8 and housing 13.

In the vicinity of the recesses 23, oblong indentations 43 that opentoward the securing element 19 are engaged by the radial projections 35(FIG. 5) of the securing element 19.

The top part 7 of the decoupling housing 1 is made of plastic, metal, orceramic.

FIG. 5 shows the securing element 19, which is embodied as annular, forexample. The securing element 19 in this instance is adapted, forexample, to the cross-sectional contour of the top part 7 of thedecoupling housing 6 from FIG. 4. Any other cross-sectional contour isalso conceivable.

The securing element 19 has at least one radial projection 35. Theradial projection 35 is disposed, for example, on the outer edge of thesecuring element 19. This radial projection 35 can extend, for example,around the entire securing element 19. However, as shown in FIG. 5 b,this radial projection can also be provided only where the decouplingelements 14, 15 are disposed after assembly, which positions areindicated here with dashed lines, in order to separate the decouplingelements 14 from the decoupling elements 15 at these locations.

If, in order to reduce the number of components, the decoupling elements14, 15 are connected to each other by means of the intermediary piece20, for example, then the securing element 19 is provided with a slot 36in the projection 35, into which the intermediary piece 20 is inserted.This facilitates assembly. The slot depth in the projection 35 must beat least deep enough that the decoupling elements 14, 15 connected bythe intermediary piece 20 can be inserted until they touch the supportshoulders 26 of the securing element 19.

If the decoupling elements 14, 15 are installed individually, withoutbeing connected to one another by an intermediary piece 20, then insteadof the slot, a recess 45 or an axial hole 45 can be provided, in whichthe decoupling element 14, 15 is partially disposed so that is notpossible to rotate the securing element 19 entirely around thelongitudinal axis 3.

The recesses 45, for example holes 45, in the securing element 19 areproduced, for example, so that after assembly of the decoupling housing6 and securing element 19, these holes are disposed centrally betweenthe decoupling elements 14, 15. The decoupling elements 14, shown withdashed lines here, are then disposed in the holes 45.

A diameter of the holes 45 should not be so large that the axiallyopposed decoupling elements 14, 15 touch after assembly. The diameter ofthe holes 45 thereby depends on the thickness of the securing element 19at the location of the hole 45.

Depending on the number of decoupling elements 14, 15, the securingelement 19 has the same number of recesses 45 or slots 36. For example,the securing element 19 can be provided with only slots 36 or onlyrecesses 45. Any combination of slot 36 and recess 45 in the projection35 is also conceivable.

The securing element 19 has radial and axial support shoulders 26.1,26.2 for the decoupling elements 14, 15; a radial support shoulder 26.1is embodied on a front side 39 and a back side 40 of each radialprojection 35 and an axial support shoulder 26.2 is embodied on theannular body 42 perpendicular to the radial support shoulder 26.1 anddivided by the projection 35.

A notch 38 is disposed on the securing element 19 in those locationswhere a screw, for example, which connects the housing parts 7, 8, 13 toone another, passes through after assembly.

The securing element 19 is made of plastic, metal, or ceramic.

FIG. 6 shows the base part 8 of the decoupling housing 6 in a bottomview and top view (FIGS. 6 a, c) and shows a cross section in FIG. 6 b.

For example, the base part 8 has an annular cross-sectional contour. Inthis instance, this base part 8 contains for example three recesses 23which constitute the support shoulders 25 for the decoupling elements 1s and, toward the securing element 19, open toward an inner edge 22 ofthe base part 8.

The recesses 23 and therefore the decoupling elements 15 are disposed,for example, in one plane.

In an outer region of the base part 8, there is at least one bore 37.For example, a screw is guided through this bore 37 of the part 8 andthrough another bore of the part 7 in order to connect the base part 8to the top part 7. The recesses 23 of the part 8 are then disposed overthe recesses 23 of the part 7.

The base part 8 of the decoupling housing 6 is made of plastic, metal,or ceramic.

During assembly, the parts 6, 7, 19, and 6, 8, or 13 are assembled sothat the respective recesses 23 and the slots 36 are disposedcongruently over one another. As a result, other centering elements arenot required.

FIG. 7 shows a section along the line VII—VII in FIG. 1. The supportshoulder 24 is constituted by the recess 23 and is embodiedapproximately in the form of a semicircle, in this instance arc-shaped,in such a way that when torque is delivered by the electric motor 2, asan example of an actuator, and with the accompanying rolling motion, thedecoupling elements 14 embodied as balls are elastically compressed anda restoring force is generated by the elastic deformation. Theembodiment as an arc-shaped recess 23 produces a progression ofrestoring force since the deformation of the decoupling elements 14, 15increases progressively. The elastic deformation of the intermediarypiece 20 in this movement plays a subordinate role here. The curvatureof the arc-shaped recess 23 is for example less than the curvature ofthe decoupling elements 14. The recess 23 can, for example, also beembodied as elliptical. In this connection, the sharpest curvature ofthis elliptical form can correspond at most to the curvature of the ball14.

It is also conceivable for the decoupling elements 14, 15 and the recess23 to be embodied elliptically. It is also conceivable for there to beother combinations, with the embodiment of the decoupling elements 14,15 in the form of rolling bodies in the recess 23. The recess 23 isembodied in the radial direction in such a way that the securing element19 and the housing 6, 7 cannot touch after the decoupling element 14 isinstalled, i.e. there is a sufficiently large gap between the housing 6,7 and the support shoulder 26.1.

These explanations for FIG. 7 apply analogously to a parallel slotthrough the recess 23 of the part 8 in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8 a-c show another exemplary embodiment of a decoupling device 1and of decoupling elements 14, 15. The decoupling elements 14, 15 areembodied, for example, as hemispherical.

FIG. 8 b shows a top view of a decoupling element 15 according to FIG. 8a, without the housing 6, 7, 8, 13 and the securing element 19. Forexample, the decoupling element 15 has a circular radial cross sectionin relation to the line 18 and is provided with a nipple 46. Forexample, the nipple has a round cross section.

FIG. 8 c shows a side view of the decoupling element 15 according toFIG. 8 b. The axial cross section of the decoupling element 15 inrelation to the line 18 can also be elliptical for example.

The nipples 46 of the decoupling elements 14, 15 protrude, for example,into the existing hole 45 of the securing element 19 so that is notpossible for the securing element 19 to rotate entirely around thelongitudinal axis 3. A height of the nipples 46 of the decouplingelements 14, 15 is embodied so that at most, the two touch.

The decoupling elements 14, 15 can also be connected to each other, forexample by virtue of the fact that the two nipples 46 constitute acommon intermediary piece 20. These decoupling elements could then beinserted into the slot 36 of the securing element 19.

The securing element 19 in this exemplary embodiment of the decouplingdevice 1 does not have any support shoulders against which thedecoupling elements 14, 15 roll.

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of the decoupling housing 6 orthe function housing 13. Since the same reference numerals apply as inFIG. 1, no further explanation is given for them. For example, thedecoupling elements 14, 15 are disposed one above the other in pairsalong a line 18 that extends parallel to longitudinal axis 3. Thisembodiment differs from the one in FIG. 1 by virtue of the fact that therecesses 23 are not disposed on the edge of a part 7, 8, 13 of thedecoupling housing 16, but are accommodated in a column 41. By way ofexample, FIG. 7 shows the cross section of the column 41 perpendicularto the longitudinal axis 3 through a support shoulder 24, 25. Alongitudinal axis of the column 41 extending parallel to the line 18 inthis instance extends, for example, parallel to longitudinal axis 3. Theheights of the columns 41 in the decoupling housing parts 7 and 8 or 13are selected so that after installation, the decoupling elements 14, 15rest against the respective axial support shoulders 24.1, 25.1. Thecolumns 41 of the two housing parts 7, 8, 13 can also touch. The columns41 can also protrude beyond the housing parts 7, 8, 13 in thelongitudinal direction. For example, the recesses in the outer housingpart (FIG. 1) and the recesses in the columns (FIG. 9) can also beprovided in an embodiment of the housing parts 6, 7, 8, 13.

It is not absolutely necessary that the decoupling elements 14, 15 bedisposed above one another. Thus the decoupling housing parts 7 and 8 or13 that have the recesses 23, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, can berotated around the longitudinal axis 3 by any arbitrary angle. It isthen no longer possible for there to be a connection by means of anintermediary piece 20. Recesses 45 must then be provided, as shown inFIG. 5, at the corresponding locations in which the decoupling elements14, 15 are disposed.

FIG. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment for the securing element 19and a decoupling housing part 7, 8, 13. For example, the decouplingelements 14, 15 and 14′, 15′ are not disposed above one another. Thedecoupling elements 14, 14′ or 15, 15′ are not disposed in a planeextending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3. Decoupling elements14′, 15′ that are connected to each other by means of the intermediarypiece 20 (right half of FIG. 10) and other decoupling elements 14, 15which are not connected to each other by means of an intermediary piece(left half of FIG. 10) can both be used in an embodiment of thedecoupling device 1. The decoupling elements 14, 15 have a knob 48,which protrudes into a recess 45, a hole 45, or a slot 36. Thedecoupling elements 14′, 15′ are connected to each other by means of theintermediary piece 20, which does not extend parallel to longitudinalaxis 3 after assembly of the decoupling device 1.

FIG. 11 shows another possible configuration of the securing element 19and decoupling housing 6. Since the same reference numerals apply as inFIGS. 1 and 5, no further explanation is given for them here.

In this instance, the decoupling elements 14, 15 are disposed over oneanother in this instance, in pairs for example, along a line 18 whichextends parallel to longitudinal axis 3. The recess 23 here is embodiedin the column 41. In this instance, a longitudinal axis 52 of the column41 extends perpendicular to longitudinal axis 3, for example. Thelongitudinal axis 52 of the column 41 can also be embodied at adifferent angle to the longitudinal axis 3.

In this instance, the securing element 19 constitutes the axial supportshoulder 26.1 the farthest from the longitudinal axis 3. For example, asurface of the radial support shoulder 24.1 is not parallel to thelongitudinal axis 3.

FIG. 12 shows another possible embodiment of support shoulders 24-26 inthe decoupling housing 6, 7, 8, 13 and securing element 19. The supportshoulders 24-26 in this instance are embodied so that the rotationalaxis 27 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The curvature radius of the recess 23 in this instance corresponds, forexample, to the curvature radius of the decoupling elements 14, 15. As aresult, a clear identification of the axial and radial support shoulderis not possible.

The decoupling housing part 7 can also accommodate for example fourdecoupling elements in a manner already described above and the otherdecoupling housing part 8, 13 can accommodate for example fivedecoupling elements in a manner already described above. Any othercombination is conceivable depending on the magnitude of the load.

The foregoing relates to a preferred exemplary embodiment of theinvention, it being understood that other variants and embodiments arethereof are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, thelatter being defined by the appended claims.

1. In a decoupling device (1) for an actuator (2) with a one-part ormultiple part decoupling housing (6, 7, 8), which is connected to afunction housing (13) and at least partially encompasses the actuator(2), and with decoupling elements (14, 15) comprised of an elasticmaterial, wherein each decoupling element (14, 15) rests against supportshoulders (24, 25, 26), the improvement comprising a securing element(19) disposed to extend between and engage at least two sets ofdecoupling elements (14, 15) each consisting of a plurality ofdecoupling elements (14, 15), said actuator (2) engaging said securingelement (19).
 2. The decoupling device according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least two support shoulders (24, 25, 26) for a decouplingelement (14, 15), said support shoulders being constituted by thedecoupling housing (6, 7, 8) or the function housing (13).
 3. Thedecoupling device according to claim 2, wherein the set of decouplingelements (14, 15) each comprises a pair of decoupling elements.
 4. Thedecoupling device according to claim 3, wherein said securing element(19) has a radial projection (35) extending partially or entirely aroundit and wherein the securing element (19) has at least one slot (36) inits radial projection (35) in the vicinity of the decoupling elements(14, 15).
 5. The decoupling device according to claim 3, wherein thesecuring element (I 9) has a radial projection (35) extending partiallyor entirely around it and wherein the securing element (19) has at leastone recess (45) in its radial projection (35) in the vicinity of thedecoupling elements (14, 15).
 6. The decoupling device according toclaim 2, wherein said securing element (19) has a radial projection (35)extending partially or entirely around it and wherein the securingelement (19) has at least one slot (36) in its radial projection (35) inthe vicinity of the decoupling elements (14, 15).
 7. The decouplingdevice according to claim 6, wherein said decoupling elements (14, 15)of each set are connected to each other in pairs by an intermediarypiece (20).
 8. The decoupling device according to claim 2, whereinsecuring element (19) has a radial projection (35) extending partiallyor entirely around it and wherein the securing element (19) has at leastone recess (45) in its radial projection (35) in the vicinity of thedecoupling elements (14, 15).
 9. The decoupling device according toclaim 2, wherein in the decoupling housing (6, 7, 8) or in the functionhousing (13), the support shoulders (24, 25, 26) are constituted bymeans of at least one recess (23) in an outer region of the decouplinghousing (6, 7, 8) or function housing (13).
 10. The decoupling deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein said decoupling elements (14, 15) eachhave a smooth curved outer surface, and wherein said decoupling housing(6, 7, 8) or the function housing (13) and the securing element (19)have axial and radial support shoulders (24.1, 24.2), and at least theaxial support shoulders (24.1) are embodied as arc-shaped, and whereinthe curvature of the arc-shaped support shoulders (24, 25, 26) at mostcorresponds to the curvature of the decoupling elements (14, 15). 11.The decoupling device according to claim 2, further comprising at leastone column (41) in which the support shoulders (24, 25, 26) areconstituted by a recess (23) on an end face of the column (41).
 12. Thedecoupling device according to claim 11, wherein said decouplingelements (14, 15) each have a smooth curved surface, and wherein saiddecoupling housing (6, 7, 8) or the function housing (13) and thesecuring element (19) have axial and radial support shoulders (24.1,24.2), and at least the axial support shoulders (24.1) are embodied asarc-shaped, and wherein the curvature of the arc-shaped supportshoulders (24, 25, 26) at most corresponds to the curvature of thedecoupling elements (14, 15).
 13. The decoupling device according toclaim 1, further comprising two support shoulders (24, 25, 26) for adecoupling element (14, 15), the support shoulders being constituted bythe securing element (19).
 14. The decoupling device according to claim13, wherein the sets of decoupling elements (14, 15), each comprise apair of decoupling elements.
 15. The decoupling device according toclaim 13, wherein said securing element (19) has a radial projection(35) extending partially or entirely around it and wherein the securingelement (19) has at least one slot (36) in its radial projection (35) inthe vicinity of the decoupling elements (14, 15).
 16. The decouplingdevice according to claim 13, wherein the securing element (19) has aradial projection (35) extending partially or entirely around it andwherein the securing element (19) has at least one recess (45) in itsradial projection (35) in the vicinity of the decoupling elements (14,15).
 17. The decoupling device according to claim 1, wherein saiddecoupling elements (14, 15) of each set are disposed above one anotheron a line (18) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (3).
 18. In adecoupling device (1) for an electric motor (2) with a one-part ormultiple part decoupling housing (6, 7, 8), which is connected to afunction housing (13) and at least partially encompasses the actuator(2), and with decoupling elements (14, 15) comprised of an elasticmaterial, wherein each decoupling element (14, 15) rests against supportshoulders (24, 25, 26), the improvement comprising a securing element(19) disposed to extend between and engage at least two sets ofdecoupling elements each consisting of a plurality of decouplingelements (14, 15), said actuator (2) engaging said securing element(19).
 19. In a decoupling device (1) for an actuator (2) with a one-partor multiple part decoupling housing (6, 7, 8), which is connected to afunction housing (13) and at least partially encompasses the actuator(2), and with decoupling elements (14, 15) comprised of an elasticmaterial, wherein each decoupling element (14, 15) rests against supportshoulders (24, 25, 26), the improvement comprising a securing element(19) disposed to extend between and engage at least two sets ofdecoupling elements (14, 15), said actuator (2) engaging said securingelement (19), said decoupling device (1) having a longitudinal axis (3),the support shoulder (24, 25, 26) for the decoupling elements (14, 15)being embodied in relation to one another so that a rotational axis (27)of the decoupling elements (14, 15) extends obliquely to thelongitudinal axis (3).
 20. The decoupling device according to claim 19,wherein said decoupling elements (14, 15) are embodied as rollingbodies.
 21. The decoupling device according to claim 20, wherein saidrolling bodies are embodied in the form of balls.
 22. The decouplingdevice according to claim 19, where one set of decoupling elements (14)is disposed in a first plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis (3) and the other set of decoupling elements (15) is disposed in aplane extending parallel to and spaced from the first plane.
 23. Thedecoupling device according to claim 19, wherein said decouplingelements (14, 15) adjoining one another in the circumference directionenclose a uniform angle α in relation to one another.